Critics love to tear a piece to shreds, leaving very little left intact. Their purpose isn’t to improve the writer’s ability to write, but rather to take a bit of joy in setting them back a few paces.

However, as a writer you do need feedback. It is important to know that you’re communicating your thoughts clearly and efficiently. Also, with proper instruction, you will improve. It’s hard to do so in a vacuum.

So how can you tell the difference? How do you know if you’re going to be torn apart by razor-sharp teeth or if you might just get a kernel of inspiration that will nudge you forward toward great writing?

One tip is to look at the purpose of the one giving their opinion. You can often tell if they are trying to help or hurt by the words they use. Mentors will usually start with words of encouragement, pointing out what is right with a piece. Critics have no such concern and can be rather harsh in their language.

How do you feel after reading someone’s review? If you think you should quit writing after reading their thoughts, then this isn’t a person to consult. It’s a sign that they don’t have your best interest at heart.

Critics love to say, “Don’t quit your day job!” OK, there is some merit in making sure you can put food on the table, but in general I don’t like the tone of that statement. If you don’t like your day job, it’s a good idea to work toward changing it. Do what you enjoy doing in life!

Good mentors will read over your work and give you subtle guidance. They usually will not give you two dozen things to fix, but rather will focus on one. And they will often guide you toward solutions.

For instance, when I see a writer needs a little work on dialogue (and they usually know it), I will suggest that they listen to how people talk. Eavesdrop! It’s a fun research tool.

Make sure to get real feedback from friends and peers. You might show your writing to friends, getting rave reviews and hearty pats on the back. Your friends like you and don’t want to hurt your feelings. Although this is kind, it isn’t terribly helpful if you want to improve.

Keep in mind that the biggest way you can improve is to write. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you in that direction. If you find that someone’s advice makes you want to stop, just realize that they are probably a critic and find a new advisor!

When Lori approached me about her story, I was immediately interested. I am very passionate about the subject and feel this book will save lives.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When math whiz Joshua began behaving bizarrely at the age of four, his parents pursued help from the medical community. As is typical, Joshua was shuffled off to a psychiatrist who prescribed heavy medication. Both parents, being holistic in nature, were horrified by the changes in their brilliant son. His behavior worsened, as did his ability to do simple exercises in school.

As Joshua’s symptoms increased so did the medication. Their loveable son was turning into a psychotic stranger before their eyes.

Frightened and frustrated, his parents researched solutions, finally putting together the missing puzzle pieces, discovering the true nature of Joshua’s mysterious illness. He had a severe, but treatable, version of Strep throat, called PANDAS.

Driven to help other families avoid the needless suffering they endured, his mother, Lori Suthar, chronicles the details of their son’s two-year nightmare in Joshua’s Missing Peace. Her unique humor is laced throughout the book, as she shares this inspiring story with her readers.

***

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, please email me. The cost will be $18.95 plus $3.99 for shipping.

Chess is Child’s Play is a book written by parents, for parents. It is written for YOU!

Chess is one of the oldest strategy games known to man. Studies show that children who learn chess at an early age gain such valuable life skills as:

• Problem-solving ability
• Improved patience and focus
• Enhanced imagination
• Greater self-confidence.

We have created an easy, step-by-step method for teaching chess that parents of all skill levels can use to teach children of any age.

You don’t have to know how to play in order to use the system in this book. This book will teach you the game, while showing you how to teach your child to play. You will learn together.

Please visit the site on Amazon and receive a special 41% off on pre-orders.

Chess Is Child’s Play will be released this April!

Many people dream of seeing their book in print. They have a good idea of what they want to say, but don’t know where to start.

As I have two books coming out this year, I wanted to offer help to other aspiring authors. To that end I am offering a free 20 minute consultation to guide people in the right direction.

Today I talked with an enthusiastic woman, who was working on a book and wanted some advice. I quickly realized that she needed a little direction, a reminder that the purpose of the book needs to drive the story.

She was grateful for the suggestion. Even though we were on the phone, I could feel the glint in her eye. She was determined to make a difference with her book!

When you write, make sure you know what the message is.  What is it that you’d like your reader know or learn?

Please don’t write a book that focuses on death and misery. We don’t need more of that. Save that for the newspapers.

With your writing you have a chance to improve some corner of our society. Find a way to inspire others, promoting hope and solutions. In the end, who knows, your book may save a life or two!

Three haiku journals accepted my work!

I can only share two with you, as the third will be out in September.

scent of rain
we look for toads
in the dark

haijix, Vol IV, Issue I March 2011

Lake Cherokee an echo in each breaststroke

Acorn #26 (the spring issue)

Thank you to all who have been so supportive!

We’re at 23,770 hits now!

We’d filmed this two years ago. Today they both still play chess and love it.

Our book, “Chess Is Child’s Play” will be released April 2012. It will teach parents how to teach very young children to play chess in a very easy step by step manner. Parents who don’t know how to play will learn along with their children!

I’d love your feedback. Did you like our video?

Image by AMagill via Flickr

Your friendly ghostwriter just purchased her first ereader, a Nook (from Barnes and Noble).  I resisted buying one for some time, but finally decided that it was a necessity for me. For one thing, I was headed to North Carolina on vacation and didn’t fancy carrying 20 books with me.

I am not sure why I resisted for so long!

It is a wonderful invention, something I can’t live without now. I feel a bit like I’ve turned into an advertising spokesperson for Nook!

I love it so much that I’m considering starting a line of inexpensive ebooks for readers on a budget. I plan to create quality books for $0.99, giving people much more than a dollar’s worth of reading material.

One of my first ebooks will be about how to use Linkedin.com.  For years people have been asking for my successful actions with that site. I wrote up a little article, which I hand out to anyone who asks for advice.

What ebook topics would you like to see for $0.99?  Please write me and let me know.

Do you have a Nook or Kindle or ibook? What do you think of it?

Whether you’re ghostwriting a how-to book on business techniques or a personal account of someone’s life, it is important that you get to know your client. After all, you will be working with them for some time!

Some clients have very limited time. This might be why they are hiring you to ghostwrite for them! So, please understand that I’m not suggesting that you engage in endless chit chat. Your goal is to learn about your new writing partner, so that you can better serve them.

Find out what goals they have for this book. What prompted them to write it and why do they feel it is important to share this information with others?

Allow them to take the lead in the early conversations. Ask questions and let them know that you’re interested in the answers. Be genuine with them.

Whatever you do, don’t cut them off, thinking that your time is too valuable. Plan to spend whatever time is needed in the beginning to build a strong relationship.

Throughout the ghostwriting process you will be communicating back and forth frequently. Most conversations should be done via email, because it is good to have your client’s thoughts and ideas in writing.

Plus, it is important to have their approval for outlines, chapters and corrections in writing as well, so there are no miscommunications later.

However, once in a while, pick up the phone. It is good to hear their voice, and have them hear yours. Certain things just don’t communicate through email. A more personal touch is needed.

Make sure to maintain constant communication with your client throughout the project.  Send them chapters ahead of time, if possible. If you exceed their expectations, they are likely to hire you again.

metal detecting –
four faces crowd around
a 1990 dime

Tomorrow is the first day of spring!  It reminded me of a morning many years ago, when we had a wonderful visitor.

spring morning —
a snowy owl inside
our torn pool cage

My son and I take walks around the neighborhood little league field at night.  Here is a moment from one of those adventures:

waxing gibbous moon —
my son tosses a baseball
over the fence

Image by Bright Meadow via Flickr

I have really enjoyed working with all my writing clients this year. I have the good fortune to work with people that I sincerely like and respect. Communication and creativity flows easily and I genuinely have a lot of fun!

This year, I wrote the outline for a story about an entertainer, based on the true stories of a man who opened for many celebrities. I am also writing a book about a mother’s nightmare of her child’s battle with illness, which was misdiagnosed. Then there is an exciting sci fi novel, about a series of characters living one lifetime after another.

On the nonfiction side, I wrote many articles for Mortgage Match. It’s nice that I can tap into my five years of experience as a mortgage broker to help others navigate the waters of this arena.

I have also been working with a company in LA to write articles about automotive repair. These articles are being used in newsletters around the country.

In the new year, it looks like I have a few more projects queuing up. One is a story about a man’s experience dealing with the murder of his brother. There was a TV show produced on this story.

Next I have a new client with a series of mafia books which need to be written. These will hit this subject from a new angle!

I also became truly enamored with haiku this year and have been enjoying working with the Haiku Foundation to introduce this ancient form of poetry to others.

Visit our new forum. You’ll need to register to post comments and see all the discussions, but it is free. If you’re new to haiku, there are places to post questions or request help with your haiku. Please join us!

Thank you to all my clients for making this my most successful writing year to date. I look forward to beating this record in 2011!